Local Teen’s ‘iconnect2U’ Program Builds Connection with Resident Seniors at Brentwood

Manchester Essex Regional High School junior, Jack Cummins, has initiated the “iconnect2U” program to combat senior citizen loneliness on the North Shore. The program involves Cummins meeting with seniors, creating personalized posters highlighting special moments in their lives over the past two years, and displaying these posters in their rooms to spark conversations. Inspired by the isolation faced by seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cummins hopes his efforts at these assisted living and skilled nursing facilities will encourage other senior living centers to participate. The initiative aligns with the school district’s “Vision of a Graduate,” promoting self-awareness, empathy, critical thinking, and global citizenship. Manchester Essex Regional High School Principal Julie Sgroi commends Cummins for making an “immeasurable difference” in seniors’ lives and looks forward to witnessing his future accomplishments.